Academic Satisfaction and its Relationship with Job Placement in Nursing: A Cross Sectional Descriptive Correlational Study

Abstract

Introduction: Alignment between satisfaction with university education and early job placement is crucial for nurses' professional development. In Ecuador, particularly at Universidad Técnica de Babahoyo, significant challenges exist regarding technical updating and practical application of acquired knowledge.

Objective: To analyze the relationship between satisfaction with knowledge acquisition and job placement among recent UTB nursing graduates at Universidad Técnica de Babahoyo.

Methods: Quantitative, descriptive-correlational, cross-sectional study. Participants were 100 graduates (cohorts 2019-2021), selected through simple random sampling. Validated questionnaires assessed educational satisfaction, perceived professional competencies, and employment status. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U, χ², and Spearman tests (α=0.05).

Results: Median age = 30 years (IQR 26‑34); 53 % female. The employment rate was 64 % (95 % CI: 54.2‑72.7). Overall satisfaction was high in 41 %, moderate in 26 % and neutral in 33 %. Satisfaction correlated significantly with employment (χ² = 7.62; p = 0.022; φ = 0.28). Job‑to‑degree match showed a borderline correlation with up‑to‑date technical knowledge (ρ = 0.196; 95 % CI –0.001‑0.373; p = 0.051).

Conclusions: There are inconsistences between satisfaction with acquired technical knowledge and labor-market demands. Strengthening technical updating and problem-solving skills within the curriculum could simultaneously enhance professional satisfaction and early job placement.